Vitamin C, the scurvy-fighting nutrient that’s abundant in citrus fruits and broccoli, is needed to form collagen, the “glue” within

Vitamin C Food Source

connective tissues that give shape and elasticity to skin and blood vessels. As the body ages and those connective tissues lose strength, skin becomes thinner and blood ves­sels are more fragile. Sun exposure accelerates the breakdown of connective tissues, making older people who’ve spent years in the sun more susceptible to bleeding and bruising. The sun’s rays also deplete stores of vitamin C, the very vitamin that the body needs to protect cells and tissue from free radical damage.

Some doctors recommend multivitamin/mineral supplements for most people who are at risk for developing pressure

Bedsore Skin

ulcers, because it ensures that they get the appropriate nutrient intake every day.

A multivitamin/mineral supplement is especially important for older people who are confined to bed or to wheelchairs. They are frequently defi­cient in a wide array of vitamins.

Researchers who say vitamin C is helpful for asthma point out that other nutrient with similar antioxidant properties could be beneficial. These nutri­ents include vitamin E, selenium, and beta-carotene, a yellow pigment found in carrots, cantaloupe, and other fruits and vegetables. Laboratory work indi­cates that all three help reduce inflammation-producing biochemicals.

“So far, however, all we have are primarily case-control studies,” said doctor. Those studies that looked at actual supplementation with micronu­trients or vitamins did not show significant improvement of lung function, with the exception of one study, according to professional nutritionist. In that study, people with asthma who took 100 micrograms of sele­nium daily for 14 weeks had improved lung function and were less sensitive to airway-constricting inhalants than when they were taking placebos (inac­tive pills).

What is MAD? Is Makes A Difference

The presence of higher magnesium levels seems to correlate with fewer asthma symptoms. In a 2001 cross-sectional study of over 2,500 adults, conducted at the University of Nottingham in England, people who got at least 100 milligrams a day of dietary magnesium had a reduction in airway hyperactivity and reported less wheezing than those who took in less than 100 milligrams a day.

This essential mineral is important for every organ in the body. It’s inti­mately involved in the production of energy and helps regulate levels of vital nutrients. It also has a potential special relevance to asthma sufferers. Large doses of magnesium relax the muscles around blood vessels and airways. Intravenous magnesium is helpful for a person having a life-threatening asthma attack called status asthmatics, which does not respond to the usual drugs.

We’ve all heard about iron-poor blood, and for good reason. Iron deficiency is by far the most common cause of anemia. Up to 58 percent of healthy young women may be short on iron, although not always to the point of

Iron Mineral

.

The problem is that many women don’t consume enough iron each day to make up for the 2.5 milligrams or so they lose each month during men­struation. Pregnant women need even more iron. Teens and women nearing menopause also often come up short.

Studies show that women ages 18 to 24 get about 10.7 milligrams a day, which is nowhere near the Daily Value of 18 milligrams.